Dodge to Offer Fuel-Saving MDS Technology in 2006 HEMI(R)-Powered Durango

Up to 20 Percent Fuel Economy Improvement

* 85 percent of HEMI(R) engines now feature Chrysler Group's cylinder deactivation technology, saving consumers 60 million gallons of fuel annually * Additional features for the 2006 Dodge Durango include power rear liftgate, remote start, three-passenger third-row seat, new 18-inch wheels * New safety and security features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and roll-sensing side-curtain air bags, which add to Durango's Five-Star safety rating

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 22 -- Want V-8 power and improved fuel economy? Gotta get a HEMI.

The 2006 Dodge Durango is one of seven HEMI-powered vehicles to feature Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS) fuel-saving technology. In addition to MDS, new features on the 2006 Dodge Durango include a power rear liftgate, aluminum or chrome-clad 18-inch wheels, remote start, three- passenger third-row seat, roll-sensing side-curtain air bags, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

"The 2006 Dodge Durango offers everything customers expect in an SUV and more," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. "With exceptional ride comfort, best-in-class V-8 power, seating for eight passengers, added convenience and fuel-saving technology, the Dodge Durango is the ultimate, right-size SUV."

MDS technology is now standard on the 2006 Dodge Durango's HEMI V-8 engine. Without compromising Durango's best-in-class 335 horsepower, the 2006 Dodge Durango's HEMI V-8 engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. Customers will experience up to 20 percent fuel economy improvement.

"To conserve fuel, MDS turns off four of the eight cylinders when less power is needed," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President -- Body-on-frame Product Team. "The seamless transition takes place in 40 milliseconds -- which is quicker than the blink of an eye."

With MDS technology, 60 million gallons of fuel will be saved annually by 2007. In addition to the 2006 Dodge Durango, Chrysler Group's MDS-equipped lineup also includes the HEMI-powered Chrysler 300C, Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Ram and the all-new Jeep Commander.

The 2006 Dodge Durango is available in three trim levels: SXT (replaces ST), SLT and Limited. In addition, the Adventurer package, introduced in 2005, is also available for 2006.

With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $28,845 (which includes destination), the 2006 Durango is now available in Dodge showrooms. The 2006 Dodge Durango equipped with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 power is available for $31,990.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM

Available in the 2006 Dodge Durango, ESP aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by providing oversteer and understeer control.

To optimize overall driving performance, ESP helps the driver maintain directional stability in rain, snow, ice or on dry pavement. The standard advanced anti-lock brake system (ABS) offers drivers improved control in low- traction braking situations by controlling each brake individually for optimum stopping power.

THE PERFECT BLEND OF SIZE AND POWER

The 2006 Dodge Durango has the interior room, towing and hauling capability of a large SUV, but achieves the fuel efficiency, performance and handling of smaller full-size SUVs. With more cargo room behind the second- row seats than Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, the 2006 Dodge Durango is the "right size" SUV.

The 2006 Dodge Durango's standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum(R) V- 6 which generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. The 230 horsepower 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel drive Dodge Durango models. With 290 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance.

The HEMI's best-in-class 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque provides exceptional power for towing and hauling. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is available on the 2006 Dodge Durango SLT, Adventurer and Limited models.

"With a powerful V-6 Magnum engine as standard, an optional 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 and the class-leading HEMI V-8, the new 2006 Dodge Durango offers a lineup of engines that can't be matched," said Donoughe. "Unsurpassed in acceleration and towing, the 2006 Dodge Durango gives our customers exactly what they want."

2006 Dodge Durango models with either the 4.7-liter V-8 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and offer a "Tow/Haul" transmission feature that provides crisp shifts and reduces gear searching when towing by holding the lower gear longer. The system will also select a lower gear under downhill conditions in order to utilize the engine's braking capability.

INTERIOR ROOMINESS AND FLEXIBILITY

The 2006 Dodge Durango interior is roomy and user-friendly with a functional, yet elegant design. With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded, Dodge Durango easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.

Dodge Durango's flat-load floor, created by folding down the second- and third-row seats, provides an enormous 102.4 cu. ft. of total cargo volume. Additionally, the distance between wheelhouses in the rear cargo area is 48 inches wide -- enough to transport standard 48-inch sheets of plywood.

With a new innovative 60/40 split third-row seat that boasts seating for three adults, Dodge Durango improves flexibility without losing capability. The second- and third-row seats feature ample leg, shoulder and hip room, and second-row seats include their own climate controls and a DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining seat backs.

A new power rear liftgate opens with the touch of a button, which allows easy loading and unloading of gear. Rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.

FIVE-STAR SAFETY RATING

The Dodge Durango was awarded a Five-Star frontal impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2005. New for 2006 is a roll-sensing side-curtain air bag system that uses sensors to keep side- curtain air bags deployed longer in rollovers.

The Dodge Durango's hydroformed and fully boxed frame provides excellent crash protection. In addition, octagonal front frame rail tips with patented crush initiators are designed to absorb frontal impacts.

Standard on the 2006 Dodge Durango is an advanced air bag system that includes dual-stage front air bags and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger-side front air bag. All seats in the Dodge Durango feature three- point shoulder belts, including a center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the second-row seating area.

DODGE BRAND

With a U.S. market share of seven percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market.

Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18 percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market share.

The 2006 Dodge Durango is built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Del.